Local students awarded United Water/NAWC scholarships

Three local students have been named recipients of $2,500 scholarships awarded by United Water and the National Association of Water Companies (NAWC) NY Chapter.

They are: Emily Algert of Tappan Zee High School, Connor Burnich of Nyack Senior High School and Adaugo Ezike of New Rochelle High School.

NAWC scholarships are designed to assist eligible seniors who are attending college in New York and pursuing a water industry-related degree in a field such as natural resource management, environmental sciences, biology, chemistry or engineering.

The $2,500 awards were presented by Michael Pointing, vice president and general manager of the United Water New York Division. He is also a member of the board of the NAWC--NY Chapter.

“Throughout the United States and across the globe, the water industry is growing,” Pointing said in a statement. “It is our duty to respond by providing the next generation of leaders with the education to manage and sustain our water supplies. This year’s recipients have displayed exemplary honors throughout high school and embody the spirit of dedication and enthusiasm toward our industry. We wish Adaugo, Emily and Connor the best in their future endeavors.”

Algert, of Palisades, is president of Tappan Zee High School’s Science Honor Society and varsity tennis team. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta, a math honor society. She will begin her studies in human biology, health and society this fall at Cornell University.

Burnich, of West Nyack, is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society. He is a dedicated member of the community, volunteering with the Nanuet Youth Ambulance Corp. and Clarkstown Youth Court. He plans to begin studies in science at SUNY Geneseo this fall.

Ezike, of New Rochelle, is also a member of the National Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society and is a National Achievement Scholar and president of New Rochelle High School’s Science Olympiad. She begins studies to double major in biomedical and chemical engineering at Cornell University this fall.